The closure of Chapter 29 – Customs Union confirmed the readiness of the Customs Administration for full integration into the European customs area.
The Customs Administration reminded that Chapter 29 was formally closed at the Intergovernmental Conference in Brussels on Tuesday, which was attended by representatives of the Customs Administration.
"By closing Chapter 29, the Customs Administration has achieved another important step on the path towards full membership in the European Union (EU), confirming that it has built a modern, reliable and European-standards-compliant customs system, ready for full integration into the single European customs area," the statement said.
The closure of this chapter, they said, confirms that Montenegro has successfully implemented comprehensive reforms in the area of customs legislation, modernization of administration and digitalization of customs procedures, which has created the conditions for the application of European customs standards in the movement of goods, the protection of the financial interests of the EU and Montenegro as a member state, and the strengthening of international trade security.
"The Customs Union represents one of the foundations of the single European market, based on the free movement of goods, common rules and a single customs policy towards third countries," the statement added.
The Customs Administration, as the bearer of reform processes in this area, during the negotiations implemented a series of demanding activities that included the harmonization of national legislation with the EU acquis, improvement of the risk management system, development of the Authorized Economic Operators Program, strengthening the protection of intellectual property rights, improvement of customs security, as well as the development of modern information systems that represent the basis for the functioning of the modern European customs system.
"The result of the implemented reforms is a modern and comprehensive legislative and institutional framework that enables the consistent application of single European customs rules, uniform customs procedures, modern electronic procedures, more efficient risk management and greater data exchange with EU member states," the statement said.
A particularly important segment of the reforms is the development of interoperable information systems, which enable full connectivity with the EU customs information environment.
By implementing the NCTS Phase 6 system, the Pre-arrival Control System (ICS2), the Export System (AES), as well as other common European customs information systems, Montenegro confirms its readiness to apply the most modern European standards in the field of customs operations.
"For the Montenegrin economy, the closure of this chapter represents an important step towards full integration into the single European market. A more modern customs system will bring simpler, faster and more predictable procedures, less administrative burdens, more efficient international trade, greater legal certainty and more competitive business conditions for domestic companies," the Customs Administration said.
By entering the European space, domestic businesses will be provided with access to the EU single market, while citizens will benefit from a more efficient flow of goods, higher standards of consumer protection, and higher quality products.
"With Montenegro's accession to the EU, the Customs Administration will become part of the single European customs system and will assume responsibility for protecting one of the future external borders of the Union, which implies continued investment in professional, administrative and technical capacities, the development of digital solutions and the consistent application of the highest European standards in the field of customs controls and risk management," the statement added.
The Customs Administration, as its representatives concluded, remains committed to reforms for the benefit of citizens and the economy.
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